Author Visits Plant Seeds of Imagination.

Contact Jo to schedule an author visit for your school or writers’ conference.

I enjoy speaking to students of all ages. For students in kindergarten through 6th grade, I generally talk about my books and the writing process. For older students I can discuss the publishing process and writing as a career. If you are planning an author visit, be sure to utilize my teacher resource worksheets under the Fun Stuff tab.

Testimonial

"Jo was a phenomenal speaker for our Young Authors Conference! The students were engaged, attentive, and asked great questions. Her experience writing children’s books was second to none. The students were quite impressed with the books she was written, particularly the different perspectives she takes when writing a story. She was very honest with the students about the process of writing and getting published, but also extremely encouraging. The feedback from students and teachers was overwhelmingly positive and we look forward to a continued relationship!" ~ Michele Haralson, Ph.D., Samford University

Presentations for schools include:

Non-fiction Research and Writing

Visual presentations enhance this talk about avenues and excitement of research, using my books as a basis, for 3rd-6th grades.

The Writing Life

A look at the life of an author, including idea mining, first drafts, revision, submission and the publishing process.

The Magic of Words

Young students learn the power and magic of words and the basic structure of a story.

WRITE NOW!

Creative writing workshops for students, spanning from two hours to a week.

Birds of the Southeast

A slide presentation for any age.

Rocks, Minerals and Fossils

Samples and PowerPoint slides enhance this talk on earth’s treasures for 3rd-6th grades.

Presentations for adults include:

Writing for the Children’s Market

An overview of various genres and opportunities within the vast arena of children’s publishing.

Children’s Publishing Boot Camp

A full day or multi-day retreat or series of classes for an intensive induction into writing for children.

The Freelance Freeway

Very few authors live off the income of book royalties. Most find creative avenues to add extra income. Includes discussion on magazines, newspapers, articles, stories, crafts, and more.

Easy to Read, Hard to Write

Easy readers are a niche within children literature with very specific requirements. Jo shares writing and marketing tips in this class.

Nonfiction: Educational and High Concept

Open the door of publishing with nonfiction. Research and marketing tips along with practical advice for turning your interests into articles and books.

Simply Amazing Picture Books

Picture books must be simple, fresh and marketable to capture an editors attention. Learn picture book basics in this class.